Fluid-control lock for tanks.



R. S. KLQPFENSTEIN 1 S. C. BRIER.

FLUID CONTROL LOCK FOR TANKS.

`APPLICATION FILED DEC. 8. I9I7.

1,297,184.. Patented 111111-, 11,1919.

Tnn STATES PATENT oni-non.

ROBERT S. KLOPFENSTEIN AND SOLON C. 13R-IER, OF WICHITA, KANSAS, ASSIG'NORS T0 THE NATIONAL LOCKeIN-TANK COMPANY, OF WICHITA, KANSAS, A CORPORATION.

' FLUID-CONTROL LOCK FOR TANKS.

specincation of Letters Patent. Patented Mar. 11, 1919.

Application filed December 8, 1917. Serial No. 206,341.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, ROBERT S. KLOPFEN- STEIN and SOLON C. BETER, citizens of the United lStates, residingv at Wichita, in the county ofk Sedgwick, and State of Kansas, have invented new and useful Improvements in Fluid-Controlk Locks for Tanks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention is an improved fluid controlled lock for tanks, especially adapted for use in connectionwith the gasolene tanks of automobiles, to cut off the supply of gasolene to the carbureter and thereby prevent an automobile from being used by an unauthorized person, the object ofthe invention being to provide an improved lock of this charter which is simple in construction, is strong` and durable, is not likely to get out of order, and which is adapted to'kbe installedin the interior of a gasolene tank, where it is out of the way and can notbe tampered with.

The invention consists in the construction, combination and arrangement of devices hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a fluid controlled lock constructed in accordance with our invention, and showing the same arranged in the bottom of the gasolene tank of an automobile.

Fig. 2 is a detailed inverted plan of the same, partly in section.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the same.

Our improved lock comprises a block 1 which may be made of brass or any other suitable material and which is of suitable size and shape. The block is in practice arranged in a gasolene or other liquid fuel tank 2 and is secured to the bottom thereof, as by means of screws 3 and also preferably by being soldered thereto. The block is formed with a threaded stud 4 which projects downwardly from the lower side thereof and to which in practice the pipe 5 which leads to the carbureter is attached. The block is also formed with a chamber 6, which is open on the lower side of the block, a plate 7 being provided to close the lower side of the chamber and being secured in place by a screw 8. A guide pin or stud 9 projects upwardly from the plate.

A fuel inlet channel 10 is provided in the block which is open at one .side of the block and which has a horizontally arranged portion 11, the inner part of which is diametrically enlargedas at 12 and formed with la conical seat 13 at one end, the other end of Y into the chamber 6 and being provided at its Y inner end with a head 16. A spring 17 is arranged and detachably secured in the valve V 6, and has a free arm which bears against the head of the needle valve and servesrto normally close the needle valve.

A tube 18 of suitable shape extends from the block, upwardly through the fuel tank and through the top thereof, and is adapted for the reception of a key 19, the lower end of said tube, communicating with the chamber of the lock case or block serving to guide the key. The joint between the lower end of the tube and the lock case is such as to permit gasolene to enter the chamber 6 o-f the lock case. The key 19 when arranged in the tube 18 and with its lower end in the chamber 6 and engaged on the stud 9 may be partly turned to cause its ward 20 to engage the head 16 of the needle valveY and act as a lcam to` move the needle valve to open position against the tension ofthe spring 17. Without the proper key the valve cannot be opened and hence an unauthorized person, not provided with a key, could not start the engine or use the automobile. The key in practice is foldable and has its stems composed of sections 22 which are pivotally connected together as at 23. When folded the key is of only ordinary length and can be readily carried in a pocket. While the automobile is in use the key is kept in the lock and with the valve open. Before the key can be withdrawn from the lock case it must be partly turned to cause its ward to register with the corresponding channel in the guide tube 18 and the withdrawal of the key enables the spring to move and hold Y inserted through the channel l-lshould this be attempted.

The gasolene which enters the chamber of the lock ease prevents the making of a duplieate key Without the owners consent. Should a blank key be inserted for this purpose, the gasolene Will eut 0E any substance Which is soluble. in gasolene thereon, and prevent an impression from being taken.

Having thus described the invention, We

claim l. A gasolene tank, a lock comprising a casing arranged in the bottom of the tank and provided With a fuel inlet channel, a fuel outlet Channel extending from and at an angle to the inlet channel, and also provided With a chamber, a needle Valve arranged for movement in the fuel inlet channel and across the outlet channel. one end of said needle Valve extending into said neer/,lee

Chamber and being provided With a head, a spring bearing against the head to normally hold the valve in closed position, a stud in said Chamber and a key insertible in said Chamber and on said stud to engage the head of the valve and move the latter to open position, said Chamber communicating with the interior of the tank to admit gasolene thereto and prevent a key impression from being taken.

2. in combination, a gasolene tank having an opening in the bottoni thereof, a lock easing in the bottom of the tank and having a threaded stud projecting downwardly through said opening and arranged for the attachment of a pipe thereto, said lock Case comprising a block having a fuel inlet Channel and fuel outlet Channel extending from and at an angle to the inlet channel, and a Valve to Close the inlet Channel and extending across the outlet Channel When in Closed position, and means to operate said valve, said lock Case having a Chamber communicating With the interior of the tank to admitgasolene thereto, and said valve operating means being arranged in said Chamber.

ln testimony whereof We a'tix our signa.

tures,

RQBERT S. KLQFFENSTEFQ SULUN C. BRUCE.,

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing 'the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

